On November 8, 2022, California passed Proposition 28 promising arts and music funding for K-12 public schools and for establishing new and supporting ongoing programs.
Prop 28 was implemented with the overwhelming approval of 7 million voters, providing our district with a total of $5,726,895 in funds. It is estimated San Juan Hills will receive $397,902 to add to our arts spending, according to createCA and the California Department of Education. Specifically, 80% of the funds are to be given to certified or classified teachers to provide education and 20% is for resources such as training, supplies, and programs.
Students hope to personally benefit from the funds and have opportunities to show their true potential. “I just feel like some people can’t always show their strengths because they don’t have the money to spend on what they want to do,” said junior Vanessa Roselli who’s in theater production. “I feel like there is so much more we can do especially with all the talent we have in our department.”
A particular area of focus would be expanding the SJHHS Draw/Paint 1 and Ceramics 1 classes. We are looking forward to new teachers and new kilns.
The Prop was able to hire Ms. Stevenson who will be teaching full-time as an art and ceramics teacher. Ceramics will now be taught all day from 0 to 6th period, opening the opportunity for more students to take classes. Hopefully, this will encourage underclassmen to stay in the class and advance to AP ceramics in later years.
“I am very excited to receive a new kiln this year! Without the new funds, this purchase of nearly $5000 would be very challenging for the school to make. A new kiln will help me fire student projects in something reliable and new,” said Mrs. Serr ceramics teacher.
Not only is Prop 28 able to introduce new programs, but it will also support old ongoing classes. Students are hoping for all types of arts classes to gain more funding, like Amy Sun, a sophomore in choir. “Hopefully we get better equipment because we need more microphones and stuff to just benefit concerts,” said Sun.
